Though Google TV was cool (when it worked), the big news of the day was the official announcement of Android 2.2, also known as "Froyo." Featuring some cool changes across the platform, the Android 2.2 SDK is available now, with retail availability sometime in the future.
Among the improvements:
- External storage for applications. Finally, Google announced the upcoming availability of external storage for applications. Barring the Incredible and its built-in 8 GB of storage, app storage has always been an Achilles' heel in the Android platform.
- OTA application installation. This is just cool. Instead of perusing through the Android Market on the phone, you can do so from your computer, and click a button to initiate an OTA download to your phone.
- iTunes streaming. Google purchased Simplify Media, a company that pushes iTunes content to your phone. If the demo was any indication, the application is quite nice - simply open and click "all" to stream the songs to your device.
- "Cloud to device messaging." If you're using Chrome on your computer, and you need a map, you can send it to your phone and it will automatically pop up in Google Maps. No text message directions - it's the real deal.
- Changes in updating of apps. Android 2.2 adds the option of updating all apps in one swoop versus individually. Additionally, Froyo adds the ability to have your apps update automatically.
- Just-in-time compiler. Makes the device much faster - two to five times faster, to be exact.
Check out the official Google video below for a great rundown of the new features in Android 2.2!
Via Engadget
